last edited June 22, 2010

The role of the Club Service committee is to manage membership development and retention, communication amongst members and with District and other clubs, the club programme of speakers, sporting events and visits, and Rotaract development. Chaired by the Senior Vice President.

Committee meeting 15 June 2010
Chairman’s Report - Sonia reported that further to a Meeting at SVP Emlyn’s house yesterday and the inputs received via the eight Members that attended the District Assembly in Swansea on 23rd May, a number of items have been raised as follows:
The RIBI motto for the coming year is “Building Communities – Bridging Continents”. There will be a continuation of the common RIBI theme of the Thanks for Life –End Polio Now Campaign which will culminate in another Rotary Day – Thanks for Life on 23rd February 2011. The aims will be to
• Raise awareness and publicity for Rotary
• Increase our membership
• Continue to obtain funds to support polio eradication
On this latter point, Bob mentioned that the Today programme had a report by Evan Davis with an interview with Bill Gates on the work for polio eradication, but that Rotary was only fleetingly mentioned together with other organisations such as WHO. It was felt that this was a missed opportunity for Rotary publicity and that it should be pursued.
To this end Club Service wish to continue to:
• Encourage membership development and retention
• Communication amongst members, District and other Clubs
• Continue fund raising activities through the relevant committees
On the Membership front, Sonia reported that that the information from District assembly indicated that membership is now 1901 with a net gain of 55 during the year, versus a target of 73. Sadly two clubs have folded. Suggestions raised to attract new members were:
• Non dining members which could appeal to those unable to attend at midday meetings
• Sponsor young perspective members for one year
• Get rid of classification/affiliation consideration (already applies here)
• Produce an A – Z of the club and Rotary to assist new members ( Newport Club are producing a leaflet and the proofs will be made available to SVP)
• Membership survey – to ascertain the reason why people are not joining
• An active club is an attractive club (everyone agreed that we fulfil this description)
President Meurig suggested that every member be asked to bring one person to our meetings so that people can better understand what we do and to increase awareness. He also suggested that this could be on each committee’s agenda. [This to be raised to Club Council].
Polio Eradication - SVP Sonia reiterated that this was a five (5) year commitment of £1,500 per year, and that the club had already forwarded the funds covering the first two years. The wishing well produces about half of the amount per annum and the Pig Roast, proposed for 8th August, should raise about £500. In response to the question of whether other fund raising initiatives were needed, the Treasurer felt that other profits such as from the sale of Christmas cards all added to the fund.
District fund raising - SVP Sonia reported that under the general Fund Raising topic, the emphasis at District level was on Youth Programmes. The DG’s preferred charities are Doctor Bank and Mary’ Meal Boxes. SVP Emlyn would like to support this if at all possible. The latter is a system for collecting articles for the specific box which are then sold by Rotarian and the proceeds provide meals for those in need in underdeveloped countries.
Presidents charities - SVP Emlyn’s preferred charities are MS and Ceredigion Association for the Blind. He also outlined other ideas for fund raising such as:-Quiz/Silent Auction/Fish and Chips nights in the autumn; Champagne and Strawberries in June next year; Golf Tournament in May, and other ideas such as Races night; Valuation night; Duck race and Wine tasting. Another idea that was floated, was a ‘100 Club’, where members would contribute a fixed amount per month for a regular draw. Another thought was that Gift Aided Donations could be sought.
Thanks for Life - It was reported that the Wishing Well was producing good returns.
Web Site - John B said that the committee reports were being provided and put onto the website. Hywel suggested that the website address could be attached to PRO reports in the CN. John reported that one user had reported a problem with the website and William agreed to check on this and to report (Post Meeting -No problems found).
Visits - Proposals for next year included: Paris trip in March (Hywel); Dublin RIBI (April); Strasbourg (John); Amsterdam (Sonia).
Sports - Bob reported that the usual Cup competitions would be organised with probably more Pool included this year. The inter-club sports night had been organised with Llanidloes for March 16th. A Charity Golf Tournament would take place next May with Iorrie taking the lead.
Programme - Hywel reported that he had provided the Secretary with a list of Speakers covering the period up to Christmas with the exception of 19t October and 14th December. Suggestions for speakers included using members of the local police force; the District GSE Team that visited Australia and Scholarship holders.
Membership/Attendance - JVP Sonia had covered this aspect earlier.
PRO - Huw reported that articles has appeared in the Spokesman covering club activities and a photo of Bryn Button (although not in Rotary Today).The Cambrian News had not published some of the recent inputs but these will be resent.
AOB - Huw reported that the Wishing Well refurbishment was now complete.
President Meurig raised a problem which had surfaced on the RYLA front, whereby the nominee had withdrawn, and two others had now volunteered. Questions were raised and answered on the contributions expected from the volunteers as this had not been raised when they were approached. It was also noted that two people had been sent on the RYLA course in the past. After a detailed discussion it was proposed that Terms and Conditions for future RYLA attendance should be written.[This to be raised to Club Council]Hywel mentioned the RIBI Conference in Dublin and that the Dublin Rotary Club will also be celebrating its Centenary.

AGM 2009/10 report - 27th April 2010 (Chairman Emlyn Watkin)
Thanks for Life - The main theme for the year, directed by District, was the Thanks for Life Project concentrating on the continued programme for the eradication of Polio and using the success of that programme to promote Rotary and to encourage new membership. The committee considered the range of suggestions for meeting these two objectives and concluded that the commitment to raising £1500 for Polio Plus for each of the five years coupled with a display in a shop window in Aberystwyth would be sufficient.
International Rotary day - The shop window display in Owain Glyndwr Square was a joint effort with Community Service Committee and it was timed to coincide with International Rotary Day, 23rd February 2010. Although limited to one side of the shop window, the location was ideal and the comprehensive display of posters and photos proved an effective means of promulgating the benefits and works of Rotary. Our thanks go in particular to President Meurig, Rtns Huw Spencer Lloyd and Michael Deaville for coordinating the display.
Membership - we were informed that District undertook a recruitment and promotional drive along the M4 corridor, but we’ve received no feedback on the impact if any. However, we have been fortunate to recruit Lisa Francis, Tony Landeg and Paul Finch during the year. On the other hand, it is with regret that Past President Elwyn Hughes, Rtns Maynard Samuel and Bill Field have, for different reasons, tendered their retirements and we are thankful for their contributions in the past. Elwyn served as Attendance Officer for many years and this was much appreciated.
Area quiz - One of the committee’s earlier tasks was to make arrangements for the area Quiz competition in November between Lampeter, Aberaeron and our own club here at the Marine as part of an evening meeting with partners. Past President Robin Varley was the Quiz Master and it’s a testament to his integrity, and the difficulty of his questions, that Aberaeron were the winners who were subsequently knocked out by Milford Haven in the next stage.
PRO - PP Huw Spencer Lloyd has continued to ensure the Club receives good and regular publicity in the Cambrian News. Details of the Club’s activities had appeared in the Spokesman including a report on the GSE and a photograph of the visit to the Rheidol Power Station. Huw had contacted the Editor of Rotary Today, and a 400 word article with pictures on the work of Bryn Button with MSF appeared in the February edition. Our thanks must also go to PP Mike Price for acting as official photographer throughout the year. Rtn Hywel Wyn Jones has also provided Welsh articles on the Club’s activities for insertion into Yr Angor.
Web site - Rtn John Bradshaw continued to update the Club’s website and can now monitor the number and source of “hits” to the site. The site has capacity for more data and John has requested a flow of information from members to keep the site interesting and up to date. Even though John disappeared on his motorcycle sojourn to China he still managed to keep us informed of his escapades and negotiations with the police in various countries,
Sports - Rtn Bob Hughes-Jones again organised a number of sporting events including bowls and pool although, despite a number of attempts, the clay pigeon shooting didn’t happen. The bowls team entered a competition in Llandrindod but without much success. The Llanidloes Club Sports Night was held in March at the Blue Bell in Llangurig and the team result was a win for Aberystwyth.
Programme - We have enjoyed a full and varied programme and our thanks go to Rtn Hywel Wyn Jones, our programme secretary. On one of our evening meetings with partners, the Young Singer’s competition was held and you will hear more on this from the youth activities committee. Past President Richard Morgan addressed the club on 16th March with a thought-provoking and challenging message.
Lap top & projector - A new projector and laptop were purchased with the assistance of a 100% grant from the Lottery. We also attracted a grant from Ceredigion County Council but this wasn’t required. The equipment has been insured and it appears to be working well and used often by our excellent ambassadorial scholar Wendy. The Committee debated a suggestion that visiting Speakers be offered a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation, but this wasn’t agreed by Club Council.
Almoner - Past President John Ockey, had quite a busy year keeping in touch with members who were suffering illness and those whose partners or family members were affected in one way or another. He regularly updated the committee with reports and I’m sure his contact and support was much appreciated by all.
Members activities - Rtn William Williams ran in the Aberystwyth10K to raise money for the Talking Newspapers and Macmillan Cancer Research. Rtn Eric Robinson volunteered to throw himself from the top of Bronglais Hospital in support of the Stroke Association.
Shelter box - funding was sent for the South Pacific and Haiti Appeals.
Club sweaters - New club sweaters were introduced during the year to encourage identity with the club and in case anyone forgets their name and gets lost!
Christmas cards - A different approach was taken to the sale of Christmas Cards which proved popular and produced a profit of over £100 for Foundation.
Presidents charity - A concert was held at Llanbadarn Church on 15th November with Cor Godre’r Aran in attendance, with proceeds to the President’s Charity of the Welsh Air Ambulance. Inner Wheel members and partners of Rotarians provided the refreshments for the choir and artistes.
Visits - A visit to Ireland to coincide with the Wales 6 Nations rugby match was successfully organised by Rtn Hywel Wyn Jones and contact was made with the Rotary Club in Dublin who welcomed the Aberystwyth contingent. We are looking forward to the visit next month to Llechwedd Slate Quarry and the Talyllyn railway organised by PP Richard Morgan.
Charter night - Our grateful thanks go to President Meurig and Anna for organising such a successful Charter Night with the support of a number of committee members. The event was very well attended and it was acknowledged that the guest speakers proved to be excellent choices. The inclusion of the piano recital by Heledd Griffiths, who won the Young Musicians competition, was well received.
Finally, I wish to thank all the members of the committee for their willingness to support the work of the committee throughout the year. In particular, my thanks go to Rtn Colin Fletcher for being extremely efficient, Rtn William Williams for writing the minutes so promptly and accurately and also PP Robin Varley for keeping control of the money.

AGM 2008/9 report - 28th April 2009 (Chairman Meurig Lewis)
Brussels visit - Probably the biggest and most enjoyable achievement was our visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. Twenty one Rotarians and their partners travelled on the ‘Eurostar’ this month and enjoyed good fellowship and camaraderie for a couple of days in the Belgium capital. The main question on our return was “Where next?’
Clay Pigeon shoot - Despite the weather, the Clay Pigeon shoot on the 14th October was also an enjoyable event.
Fish and Chip supper - The Quiz and Fish and Chip supper held at the RAFA club on the 21st November was well attended and very successful with the proceeds raised going towards a Portable Echo Cardiogram at Penglais Hospital.
Proposed day visit - We are of course looking forward to our visit to Big Pit, Blaenavon, next month following which we will be visiting Penderyn Distillery to recover from our underground experiences.
PRO - The Club receives good publicity in the press, both in the Cambrian News and “The Spokesman”.
Attendance - Our attendance records continue to provide valuable feed back to our committee.
Membership - We were delighted that Eric Robinson rejoined the Club and to welcome Dana Edwards as a new member.
Almoner - Our Almoner had quite a busy year what with Godfrey Hill, Gwynn Lewis, Don Griffiths and latterly President Ian Rees suffering serious illnesses. In his own inimitable way, John has kept in touch with them all (and others in the Club) and has kept us informed on their progress. Our best wishes go to President Ian at this time as he undergoes his course of chemotherapy treatment.
Programme - We have enjoyed a full and varied programme. On one of our evening meetings with partners, the young musician’s competition was held and it was very much enjoyed by all and will likely be repeated in the same format in future.
Sport - Nine members took part in the Bowls competition in January, whilst the Pool and golf competitions will take place over the next couple of months.
Charter night - We had a very successful Charter Night. Enjoying the company of our partners at this event has certainly increased attendance and the musical interlude, before and after the speeches, added a nice touch.
Lunch tickets - Towards the end of October, we became a cashless society. Gone are the days of paying cash for our lunches as we have become a “ticket only” organisation. From the stewards’ and treasurer’s point of view the system has gone down well but there is more work for the ticket secretaries for which we thank them.
60th anniversary - celebrations came to an end with the production of the Club photograph which also incorporated a history of the Club written by Past President Richard Morgan.
Centenary fund - Our highly successful centenary fund was closed with further monies being distributed to surgeries and hospitals in the catchment area. The final cheque in excess of £12000 was presented to the Beacon of Hope.
10K walk - The annual Aberystwyth 10k run saw Rotarians William Williams and Geraint Thomas, along with William’s wife Catherine take part, and their efforts raised a very commendable amount in excess of £4000 for charity.
District Governor visit - During March we were pleased to welcome District Governor Clayton Heycock on a special visit to present us with a certificate under the “Health and Hunger” banner. This was for our work for Polio Plus, Aqua Boxes, Shelter Boxes and Beacon of Hope and we are one of only two Clubs in the District to receive the award this year